Teachers Jackie Brady and Cynthia Reyenga were honored last night at the Hope Rotary Club’s 2022 Teacher Appreciation Banquet at Hempstead Hall. Each year the Hope Rotary Club honors two outstanding educators as Teacher of the Year: one representing primary grades (K-6) and one representing secondary grades (7-12). “The honorees this year perfectly demonstrate Rotary’s motto of ‘service above self,’” Rotary President Amanda Lance said. “The Hope Rotary Club chooses to promote educational excellence in our area, and these two educators flawlessly personify this mission.”
Cynthia Reyenga, kindergarten teacher at Clinton Primary, has been described as an educator who has excellent rapport with students and staff, and she puts careful thought and preparation into lesson planning. She utilizes a variety of teaching methods to address students’ learning styles. Reyenga has even been known to video herself reading to share with families during breaks and weekends to help promote learning at home.
Jackie Brady, EAST (Education Accelerated by Service and Technology) teacher at HAPS, is characterized as guiding students into becoming successful leaders, speakers, and community service participants. She supports their individual and group interests which allow them to pursue projects that work with organizations such as Rainbow of Challenges, Hope In Action, Hope for Paws, and The Call of Hempstead County. Brady was also voted this year’s Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year, and she is the first teacher to ever be awarded both of these honors in the same year.
Keynote Speaker of the event Dr. Christine Holt, UAHT Chancellor, shared appreciation for the two honorees, as well as all educators. She spoke of how teachers guide, inspire, and make a tremendous difference in the lives of students.
Lance said Jackie Brady and Cynthia Reyenga are special to students, the school district, and community, and she shared her appreciation for their work by saying, “I personally want to say thank you to each of them for their many years of service and for the countless students they have helped mold for the better.” Lance said special thanks also goes to Ashlea Stewart and Dr. Carol Ann Duke for nominating these teachers, to Dr. Jonathan Crossley for setting a wonderful direction for the Hope Public School District, and to Dr. Christine Holt from UAHT for being a fantastic keynote speaker. “Education is very special to our club, and it was wonderful to celebrate that tonight,” Lance said.
